H7572 H7572
chain (for captives; Ezekiel 7:23, textually uncertain; also 1 Kings 6:21 Qere)
This noun appears in Ezekiel 7:23 in the command 'make the chain,' apparently referring to chains for captives as Babylon prepares to haul Judah into exile. However, the text is notoriously difficult, and scholars propose various emendations. First Kings 6:21 (Qere) also reads רַתּוּקוֹת זָהָב ('chains of gold') adorning the temple's inner sanctuary, though the Ketiv differs. The vocabulary of chains connects to themes of bondage, captivity, and decorative metalwork. The textual uncertainties surrounding this rare term illustrate the challenges of reconstructing ancient Hebrew technical vocabulary for metallurgy and bondage.
Senses
BDB / Lexicon Reference
† רַתּוֹק n.[m.] chain (on form LagBN 89);—abs. עֲשֵׂה הָר׳ Ez 7:23, i.e. for captives, but very dub.; Co עָרֹה וּבָקוֹק, Krae עֹשֵׂי הַבַּתּוֹק (ב׳ = Assyrian butâḳu, obstruction); hence perhaps also pl. cstr. רַתּוּקוֹת זָהָב 1 K 6:21 Qr (Kt רתיקות), chains of gold before the דְּבִיר in temple.